Goblin Island

Silly folk metal? Not really a new concept on the whole, but this album has a unique charm to it. Self proclaimed as "goblin metal", Nekrogoblikon have crafted a charming, enjoyable album. 'Goblin Island' is a primarily folk metal album, yet it fuses modern elements and even touches on hardcore territory a few brief times. The programmed drums are a little too noticeable at times, but overall the production is good enough to be listenable, yet raw enough to give it that raw personality.

'Goblin Island' injects comedic skits into some of their songs, reminiscent of Tenacious D. This is done to varying degrees of success. Songs like "The Goblin King's Wrath" and "They Came from Space" are to me ideas which sounded funny in studio but are laborious and childish when actually fleshed out. However, skits as heard on "Goblins Ahoy!" and the Goblin Christmas songs are whimsical and don't test my patience. I think it's just a matter of finding the right balance between silly and childish. However, overall this doesn't distract too much from the listening experience. I just skip the two aforementioned songs more frequently than others.

Songwriting is strongest on songs such as "The Goblins of the Black Rain" (which has easily the best riffing on the album, in my opinion) and "Goblin Christmas Armageddon" parts I and II. "In the Hall of the Goblin King" and "Goblin Christmas Armageddon Part II" have some of the catchiest choruses to boot.

Not so effective are "Goblins Ahoy!" and "Goblins are Better than Trolls". The keyboard sound on these two songs in particular is enough to make me skip them more frequently than not. When put into the spotlight or standing alone, the keys often sound dry or cheap. The aforementioned "Goblins are Better than Trolls" is also a polarizing song from what I've seen. You either love it or hate it, I'm in the latter category. There are few redeeming qualities to the song. A catchy chorus and bouncy, folky rhythms, but uncreative on the whole. It feels like a thoroughly worn out song formula and sound.

These detractions aside, this is a very enjoyable record and I would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind injecting humor into music. The harsh vocals are gruesome and gross, the lead guitars and keys compliment each other very well, and the bouncy folk rhythms move you.

80/100